The Department of
English offers a number of internship courses, primarily ENGL 431, 432,
433, and WRIT 431, 432, and 433. Two tracks in the major
specifically require internships: the Teacher Certification Track, where
student teaching (EDUC 390) is considered an internship, and the Science
Communication program, where students must complete WRIT 461 and WRIT 462
(the Science Communication Internship). No matter what your track is,
though, an internship can be one of the most valuable experiences of your
college career, and we encourage you to consider doing one.
An internship is a supplemental
educational opportunity to explore career options and develop skills
related to the English undergraduate major in a work or work-related
setting. Sometimes referred to as coops,
fellowships, practicums, or experiential learning, internships are a great
way to gain valuable knowledge about the work environment and to acquire
on-the-job skills. These positions can be paid or
unpaid, depending on the situation, and the amount of time you spend at
them can determine how much academic credit you can earn for them.
In a competitive
job market, internships can provide
many benefits. As an intern, you can
- learn about
various occupations,
work environments, pressures, and rewards,
- practice
communication skills,
- develop
interpersonal skills,
- build your
portfolio,
- demonstrate
enthusiasm and interest in the job, and
- network.
When you are considering joining a
specific company after graduation, an internship
can make all the difference. The company can see your skills and abilities
and can train you to do many of the things other employees do. As an
intern, you will also have many opportunities to discuss the potential for
getting a full time job with the company. As such, an internship, as any
relevant work experience, gives you an edge. Winthrop
also offers a limited number of
co-op employment opportunities
that may also give you a head-start on the employment market.
If you want to
do an internship, we suggest you begin by talking to your advisor during
the second semester of your sophomore year, since most students do their
internships as juniors or seniors. Your advisor will probably send you to
see
Dr. Gloria Jones,
the co-chair of English, who formally approves all internships once the
paperwork is completed; you can contact her at 803-323-4573 or find her in
246 Bancroft.
Return to the Department of
English Home Page.
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